Gupta General Store

Up in Sector G of Aliganj, we are situated right by the Puranam Hanuman Mandir. It is a good spot because people visit the temple and then realize they need something for their home. Gupta General Store is a small place, really. We have a lot of stuff packed into a tiny area. There are spices in jars, hanging snacks, and all the basics like tea and coffee. Lucknow gets very busy, and Aliganj is no different. The traffic near the temple can be a bit much on Tuesdays and Saturdays especially. I usually have a lot of people coming in for incense or small offerings too. My father started this, and I’m just keeping it going. We don’t have a computer or anything, just a big ledger where I write everything down by hand. The walls are painted a simple cream color, but you can’t see much of them because of all the shelves. We have a small stool outside for anyone who needs to rest for a minute. It’s a very local vibe. Most customers are people who have lived in Sector G for decades. We talk about the old days or how the city is changing. I like being near the Mandir; it feels peaceful even when the road is loud. We just keep our heads down and serve the people who come in. There is always something to be done, like sorting the new delivery or cleaning the glass jars on the counter.